Writing and composing is a coping mechanism for Rachel Mazer on "Home." On her latest single, the soulful singer-songwriter documents the grief she underwent after she lost her brother. Her silken vocals add welcoming warmth to the song's breezy jazz rhythm, exhibiting a more subdued take to the vigorous delivery of her previous single "Open Heart." It's through her tempered affliction that we're able to truly empathize with her story, which as sad as it may be, ultimately soars with a hopeful message.

"Home" is the third single off of Mazer's forthcoming debut LP, which she will self-release on March 9. Juan Rodríguez

Bask in the radiant optimism of Photo Ops' "July." The latest single by singer-songwriter Terry Price, who performs under the name Photo Ops, is a response to all the negativity that has surrounded his personal life. He sounds clear-headed, even there's a tinge of resentment in his words - "I did you right/ You just won't know it for a while," he says to himself with woeful practicality. But look at "July" as Price's self-cleanse, as he delivers his quietly-powerful subtext through a soft layer of sparkling guitar chords and precise, Sea and Cake-recalling drum work.

"July" is the first reveal off of his forthcoming third album, Pure at Heart, which is expected to hit later this year. Juan Rodríguez

Justus Proffit can't get a dream he had out of his head. Following an EP with rising indie darling Jay Som, the singer-songwriter proceeds to follow the solo route with his latest single "Hole," a nineties-informed indie rocker whose blend of tuneful guitars are affixed with a slight tinge of dissonance. As the song progresses, his headspace teeters between dreamlike delirium and curious internal logic. He finds some clarity within the song's robust, mid-fi range, possessing a fullness and a warmth reminiscent of Stone Temple Pilots' more tender grunge ballads.

"Hole" is taken from Proffit's forthcoming full-length album, L.A.'s Got Me Down, which is out on March 8 via Bar/None Records. You can catch him at Zebulon on March 7. Juan Rodríguez

The intense and familiar sounds of NO WIN have set the tone for 2019. Bringing back an indie-rock sound we have been craving, their forthcoming LP, downey, promises a strong collection of real experiences both past and present that front-runner Danny Nogueiras demands his listeners to feel, passionately and honestly. On the video for their latest single, “Vision,” the band takes a literal spin on a few parts of their lyrics and brings it all to life, making it a lively and clever piece for all to enjoy.

NO WIN will be playing a show in Long Beach at The Prospector on February 2nd and again at SXSW in Austin, TX from March 11th through the 17th. Look out for downey on March 22nd via Dangerbird Records. Kayla Hay

The Deli Magazine was born in NYC's Attorney Street in 2004, in the shape of a print issue with a then unknown band on its cover, called Grizzly Bear. Ths NYC blog came in 2005, then the SF one in 2006, and then 9 more in the following years. The Deli is focused on the coverage of emerging bands and solo artists with a 100% local focus - no exceptions!